When it comes to sightseeing in Sapporo, popular spots include the Sapporo Clock Tower and Hokkaido University.

There are two reasons for this: it's a famous landmark representing Sapporo, and it's within walking distance of Sapporo Station, making it convenient for travelers with limited time.

On the other hand, Sapporo Art Park, located in the suburbs, is a spot I would definitely recommend to those who say, "I want to go to Sapporo again, but I don't want to go to the same places," or "I want to go to a more off-the-beaten-path tourist spot in Sapporo."

Sapporo Art Park is a popular and attractive outing spot for Sapporo residents, bustling with couples and families.
Read this article and get a real feel for the heart of Sapporo.

Table of contents
1. What is Sapporo Art Park?
2. Highlights of Sapporo Art Park
3. Food and beverage facilities within Sapporo Art Park
4. How to get to Sapporo Art Park

Sapporo Art Park, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016, is located in the suburbs of Sapporo.

Set on a vast site typical of Hokkaido, this complex blends nature and art, featuring the Sapporo Art Park Museum, craft workshops, art hall, open-air museum, and the Churyo Sato Memorial Children's Atelier.

The museum hosts special exhibitions, as well as music and concerts. Jazz and classical concerts on the outdoor stage are popular summer events.

Sapporo Art Park is a place where you can enjoy art such as sculptures and paintings, music concerts and events, create your own artwork, and enjoy nature, allowing you to spend your time in your own way.

From among the many diverse attractions available, I'd like to highlight three popular facilities that are also easy to visit even for a short time, and introduce their key features.

■Popular Spot 1: Open-Air Museum

The most popular attraction at "Sapporo Art Park" is undoubtedly the open-air art museum.

Spread across a lush, undulating 7.5-hectare (over 20,000 tsubo) site are works by renowned sculptors from around the world. The collection comprises 74 pieces by 64 artists.

At the open-air art museum, visitors can touch and appreciate the sculptures, and take photographs.
Furthermore, the museum is home to wild animals such as Hokkaido squirrels and insects, allowing visitors to enjoy art while taking a pleasant stroll through nature.

This museum is perfect for families who might think, "My kids get bored easily, so museums aren't really my thing..."

Additionally, a "barrier-free course" is available for wheelchair users. This allows elderly people with mobility issues to visit with peace of mind.

• Exhibition period: April 29th to November 3rd (Closed for winter from November 4th. From January to March, the open-air museum will be open to the public free of charge during the winter closure, and a "snowshoe walk" will be held.)
Admission fees: Free pass 1,000 yen (valid for one year from the date of purchase. Includes entry to the "Tadayoshi Sato Memorial Children's Atelier" on the premises). Other options: 700 yen for high school students and older, 560 yen for those 65 and older, free for junior high school students and younger.
• Opening hours: 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

■Popular Spot 2: Sapporo Art Park Museum

This is an indoor art museum located in an easily accessible spot right at the entrance of "Sapporo Art Park."
The museum collects and exhibits works, primarily sculptures, including those by Rodin. It also plans exhibitions featuring artists associated with Sapporo.

Additionally, from October 26, 2016 to January 10, 2017, we are hosting the POWER OF PRINCESS "Disney Princess and Frozen Exhibition."
Nine Disney princesses will appear, and you can see their costumes, artwork, and a special "Frozen" movie theater.

Limited edition merchandise for this exhibition is also available for purchase, making it a memorable souvenir for children and women who love princesses.

Source: ©Disney

In addition, in some years, the courtyard is decorated with snow-based artworks during the winter, making it a facility where you can enjoy the changing seasons that are characteristic of Hokkaido (there are no plans for events in fiscal year 28).

• Admission fee: Varies depending on the exhibition, so please check (admission is charged for elementary school students and older).
Please note that the museum will be closed during exhibition changeover periods. Please check the schedule before visiting.

■Popular Spot 3: Craft Workshop

After enjoying the art in the park, you can also participate in a hands-on art creation experience.
Our craft workshop offers a wide variety of hands-on activities that you can sign up for on the same day.

There are five year-round activities available: "Pottery and Ball Making Experience," "Pottery and Painting Experience," "Drawing Bandanas," "Washi Paper Collage Postcards," and "Original Button Badge Making" (instructors are not provided).

Since everyone can choose their favorite menu item, it's something everyone can enjoy.

Additionally, there is a special menu item with a set date: "Let's engrave frosted glass patterns onto small glass bottles."

Sandblasting, a technique that uses fine sand to engrave patterns, is a unique experience that can only be had in a workshop, and is sure to become an unforgettable memory.

The staff handles the machine work for you, so it's great that you can easily create an intricate glass bottle (the experience takes about 30 minutes).

• Experience fee: Varies depending on the menu, so please check.
• Reception hours (year-round menu): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, except on days when the Art Forest is closed.

After a long walk, you'll want to eat something delicious. If you're planning to spend the whole day at the Art Forest, I recommend eating at one of the restaurants located within the grounds.

■Restaurant 1: "Gochiso Kitchen Hata no Haru"

It's located on the second floor of the "Sapporo Art Park Center," right in the middle of Sapporo Art Park.

Our buffet-style restaurant boasts seasonal ingredients and local vegetables from Hokkaido. We are committed to using high-quality ingredients, and our dishes are beautifully presented.
Since it's a buffet, it's perfect for people who want to have lots of fun and don't want to waste time waiting for their food!

You can admire the art pieces in the open-air museum through the large windows.
Why not go early, find a prime seat, and enjoy both the delicious flavors of Hokkaido and the art?

Furthermore, we have a fully equipped kids' space, perfect for families with children.

Buffet prices (excluding tax): Adults (junior high school age and older) 1,500 yen, Seniors (65 years and older) 1,300 yen, Children (elementary school age) 900 yen, Infants 500 yen, Children under 3 years old free
・営業時間：11：00～17：00（うち15：00～17：00はデザートタイム）※冬期営業時間は11：00～15：00

■Restaurant 2: "Café La Folia"

There's a cafe inside the Sapporo Art Park Museum that's perfect for taking a break.

When you're tired from walking, the sweetness of waffles and other seasonal homemade sweets is a real treat.
Why not take a moment to relax with a cup of tea?

• Business hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Please check as business hours may be shortened on some days)
• Closed days: Same as the closing days of the Sapporo Art Park Museum (closed during winter)

Sapporo Art Park is located in the suburbs of Sapporo.
You will need to use a bus or car to get there.

■Access 1: Bus

Starting from JR Sapporo Station, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes by subway and bus (please allow extra time as bus journeys may take longer during the winter months due to weather conditions).

(Subway Namboku Line) Sapporo Station → Makomanai Station
I changed trains.
(Chuo Bus Soranuma Line/Takino Line) Makomanai Station → Art Forest Entrance or Art Forest Center (Approx. 15-minute ride)

■Access 2: Car

(1) From Kitahiroshima IC, take National Route 36 and Prefectural Route 341 towards Joban for approximately 21 km.
(2) From Sapporo Kita Interchange, take National Route 5 towards Sapporo Station, then turn onto National Route 453 and head towards Lake Shikotsu for approximately 23 km.

• Sapporo Art Park Parking Fees: Standard cars 500 yen, Large vehicles 1,200 yen

Final thoughts

What did you think.
Sapporo Art Park, located in Sapporo City, is a recommended spot where you can experience both the magnificent nature of Hokkaido and art.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2016, Sapporo Art Park offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a couple, a family, traveling alone, or a senior citizen.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience the ever-changing beauty of nature and art throughout the seasons. Please be sure to dress warmly, as you will be walking outdoors.

Image provided by: Sapporo Art Park

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